Juan Carlos I[1], King of Spain, publicly announced on June 2, 2014, his decision to abdicate[2] in favor of his son Felipe[3], current Prince of Asturias.

Although most of the reactions[4] [es] from the Spanish political class acknowledges and praises Juan Carlos’ actions during his period as king, there is a leftist sector demanding a referendum[5] [es] to proclaim the Republic.

In the past few years, the Spanish monarchy has lost part of its prestige due to acts of corruption that involved people[6] related to the Crown, or to indiscretions by the King himself, but mostly due to the economic crisis that affects most of the Spanish people, especially the youth[7].

On Twitter there are calls[8] [es] to rallies in several Spanish cities asking for a return of the Republic.